Multi-level filter device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a method for filtering fluid, preferably effluent fluid in a septic system, by providing a staged, filtering array in an effluent flow path, the stages positioned in an orientation designed to maximize filtering capability in conjunction with predetermined apertures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/109,683, filed on Apr. 25, 2008, which claims priority to, andbenefit from, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/926,139 filedApr. 25, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to filters used to separate suspendedsolids in a liquid solution. More specifically, the present invention isdirected to methods and apparatuses for filtering septic tank effluent.

BACKGROUND

A number of different filtering devices are known for separating solidmatter from water, such as, for example, waste water in septic tanks.Many of the known devices for removing waste water from septic tanksallow the solid materials to settle to the bottom of the tank and allowbacteria to react and digest the solid materials. The by-products of thereaction of the solid or semi-solid matter with the bacteria then passthrough filtration to remove the remaining small particles, with thewaste water being removed by overflow or by discharge pumps into a drainfield. Known filtration systems employ a filter cartridge having a stackof settling plates with a weir wall integral to the top side of thesettling plate. Such known filters, however, only have one level offiltration or screening. Therefore, any solids smaller than the apertureeither pass onto the drainfield or become trapped on the settling platerequiring more frequent servicing. Other known systems employ a filterthat has a stack of inclined filter plates that have an integral weirwall extending from the settling plate. This design allows solids toslide back down the inclined surface before passing through theaperture. However, in these known designs smaller particles that passthrough the aperture become trapped inside by the weir wall and againrequire frequent servicing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The filter of the present invention solves the recognized problems inthe field by, among other advantages, creating multiple aperturesbetween any two settling plates. This is accomplished by making the weirwall as a separate component that is inserted between two inclinedsettling plates, thus allowing solid and semisolid masses larger in sizethan the apertures to settle on the inclined plates and then slough backinto the septic tank. When solids build up and eventually block theaperture below the weir wall, the flow can continue through the filterby flowing through the aperture above the weir wall. In anotherembodiment of the present invention a third aperture can be formed intothe weir wall itself. This can lead to double, or triple the timebetween servicing and cleaning of the filters. This saves the homeownersignificant time and cost, while insuring that their drainfields areprotected from excessive solids.

Separating the partition or weir wall from being a part of either thetop or bottom surface of the settling plate, and creating a plurality ofapertures in the weir wall allows for at least doubling the filter area.By adding in additional apertures into the weir wall itself, at discretelocations on the wall, even more filtration area in the same sizecartridge is provided. The separation of the weir walls into completelyseparate, or discrete system components makes for less expensiveproduction of multiple filter models with varying levels of filtration.Instead of having to produce molds for different filter plates, one onlyhas to make different inserts. By creating multiple partition walls withprogressively finer levels of filtration, the service interval requiredis greatly increased. This also allows for a greater level of filtrationto be accomplished per filter with less servicing and/or down timerequired. Currently, to accomplish this, multiple filters must to beinstalled in series at great expense to the consumer.

In addition, in known field filtration systems, the alarms used forfilters do not give a true indication of the capacity left in thefilters, as the alarm switch for these filters can only be located onthe unfiltered side of the filter. The present invention allows thisalarm switch to be located on the downstream side of the first filterpartition. Thus, the filter is protected from having “gross” solidsattach to the switch and causing a false alarm situation.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods andapparatuses for filtering effluent comprising providing a filteringassembly, said assembly comprising at least one substantially planarcomponent attached to at least one partition. The planar component andthe partition are attached to create at least one aperture having apredetermined dimension, with the planar components positioned at anincline. A housing is dimensioned to receive the filtering assembly,with the housing comprising an inlet and an outlet and a means forpositioning said assembly within said housing. An effluent flow is thenprovided to the assembly in the housing and flows through the assemblysuch that only the effluent having predetermined characteristics movespast the partitions and angled planar surfaces.

In a further one embodiment, the present invention provides methods andapparatuses for filtering effluent comprising providing a filteringassembly, said assembly comprising a first and second substantiallyplanar component, said first and second planar components spaced apartby at least a first and second partitions, said partitions eachcomprising one or more apertures, said apertures bounded partially by asurface of the first or second planar components, with said planarcomponents positioned at an incline, or angle. A housing is provideddimensioned to receive the filtering assembly, said housing comprisingan inlet and an outlet and a means for positioning the filteringassembly within said housing. An effluent flow is provided to theassembly in the housing and is directed through the filtering assemblysuch that the only effluent having predetermined characteristics movespast the partitions and angled planar surfaces. Solid or semisolidmaterial of a predetermined dimension is retained in the filteringassembly, while solids or semisolids having a dimension less than saidpredetermined dimension, and/or liquid effluent, is allowed to passthrough the filtering assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a series offilter assemblies are maintained in the housing in a stackedorientation, and at least one partition further comprises an additionalintegral aperture, located at a distance from the apertures locatedabout the perimeter of the partition. The integral apertures arepreferably completely bounded by the partition.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, thepartitions have similar or varying dimensions from each other, orpreferably comprise spacers extending from the edges thereof, such thatthe first partition, when in position with a planar component providesapertures having a first dimension, and the second partition when inposition with a planar component provides apertures having a seconddimension, such that the first and second aperture dimensions, etc., arenot equal. In the most preferred embodiment, multiple partitions areoriented relative to a planar component to create a series of aperturesof varying dimension such that the aperture dimensions progressivelydecrease in the direction of an effluent flow.

Further objects, advantages and embodiments of the invention will becomeevident from the reading of the following detailed description of theinvention wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective drawing of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing a multi-partition wall filter component;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the present inventionwith two inclined plates with the multi-partition wall filter to beengaged therebetween;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an assembled portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective, partially exposed view of one embodiment ofthe present invention comprising a filter housing, or case;

FIG. 5 shows a partially exposed view of the housing of FIG. 4 nowcomprising a plurality of inclined filter plates and a maintenanceplate;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing a dual filter housing with a plurality of receivingzones;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing a dual housing with two filter cartridges in place;

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of the dual housing embodiment ofFIG. 7, showing the maintenance plate impeding flow to the reservefilter cartridge;

FIG. 9 shows a partially exposed side perspective view of a filterhousing including a plurality of horizontal filter assemblies and amaintenance plate;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of amulti-partition wall filter component with the settling plates explodedaway from the partition walls and portions of the multi-partition wallbroken away;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an assembled portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10 with portions broken away to illustrate themulti-partition wall;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an assembled portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10 with the top settling plate removed toillustrate the multi-partition wall; and

FIG. 13 shows a side, sectional view of an assembled portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 positioned within afilter housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, and with specificreference to the Figures, as shown in FIG. 5, a new and improvedeffluent filter 10 is shown for uses, such as, for example, in septicsystems. The filter 10 preferably comprises a housing, or case 12surrounding at least two, and typically a plurality of inclined settlingplates 14 separated by a multi-partition wall assembly 16 (See FIG. 1).Although the settling plates 14 are shown as inclined, it should beunderstood that the settling plates may be horizontal within the filtercase. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, filter 110 may include aplurality of horizontal settling plates 114 separated by themulti-partition wall assembly 16.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to one embodimentof the invention, the multi-partition wall assembly 16 of one embodimentof the present invention is shown. The assembly consists of at least onefiltering wall(s) or dams 66 connected by at least one spacing support64. The top 63 and bottom 65 edges of the multi-partition wall 66comprises a plurality of connecting pins 78 with male end 80.

As shown in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, the inclined settling plates 14 comprise a plurality offemale receiving locations 82 designed and dimensioned to receive themale ends 80 of the multi-partition wall assembly 16 (See FIG. 1), thusforming one assembled portion 18 (See FIG. 3) of an embodiment of thepresent invention. The present invention further contemplates havingfastening and spacing elements such, as, for example, the connectingpins 78 with the male end 80 as an integral part of the settling platewith the female receiving location being oriented as an integral part ofthe partition wall, or any combination thereof, as desired.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,the connecting pins 78 also play an important structural role in thefiltering action of the filter unit 10. The dimension (e.g. height) ofeach connecting pin 78 assists in determining the distance between eachmulti-partition wall 66 and the adjacent inclined settling plate 14,thus creating apertures. The connecting pins 78 must provide asufficient distance between each multi-partition wall 66 and theadjacent inclined settling plate 14, such that a series of gaps, orapertures 122, 124 and 126 are formed between at least the edge 65 ofthe filtering walls or dams 66 and the first or second surfaces 60 of anadjacent inclined settling plate 14. Similarly, apertures 121, 123 and125 are formed between at least the edge 65 of the filtering walls ordams 66 and the underside of an adjacent inclined settling plate 14

As shown in FIG. 3, the dimension of each gap, or apertures 122, 124 and126 in the series of apertures changes, and preferably becomesprogressively smaller, such that the level of filtration becomes greateras liquid passes through. The dimensions of each connecting pin 78,therefore, also become smaller as liquid moves through each subsequentgap created above or below each partition wall. This produces aprogressively smaller or “thinning” aperture dimension, such that widesubstances such as, for example, toilet paper, etc. become trappedwithin the filter, while liquid is allowed to pass through. Additionalapertures, or filter slots 128 may be added as desired into thepartition wall 66 on the inlet side, as well as the outlet wall. Theseslots 128 would be substantially the same size (opening) as apertures122 and 126 respectively, or could be differently sized. Preferably, atleast one, substantially circular rod channel 76 is positioned ondiametrically opposing sides of each inclined settling plate 14 forreceiving rods of a positioning unit, such as, for example, a handle. Anadditional opening 102 is provided in each settling plate. The openings102 in each settling plate are aligned. One purpose for such an opening102 is to receive an optional alarm system (not shown, but known in thefield), within the filter unit 18. One such alarm system that can beincorporated into embodiments of the present invention is provided inU.S. Pat. No. 6,841,066, which is incorporated by reference as if made apart of the present specification.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention, where the filterhousing, or case 12 comprises a first section 30 that holds the filterassembly 18. The base of the case 12 shows that the first section 30comprises an inclined lower shelf 32 upon which rests the filtercartridges 18, along with a receptacle 34 into which the assembly rodseats, to assist in retaining the cartridges in place, as desired. Theinterior walls of the case 12 have a series of receiving members, ortracks 36 forming a channel 38 into which a maintenance plate 40 (SeeFIG. 5) is inserted and “slid” into place, in order to block the flow ofliquid from the second (unfiltered) section 42 of the case 12 to thesection 30. This allows the filter cartridge 18 to be removed andcleaned, serviced or replaced without allowing unfiltered liquids toexit the septic tank. FIGS. 5 and 9 show alternate embodiments of thefilter cartridges 18 and 118 in place in their respective cases 12 and112, respectively, with the maintenance plate 40 also in place. Notshown is a rod, upon which the sections of settling plates stack. Therod is then preferably capped at both ends, securing the plates tightlytogether.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention, where thefilter case 12 comprises dual filter receiving zones 30 and anunfiltered flow channel 42 near the center of the case 12. FIG. 7 showsthis case with two filter cartridges in place.

FIGS. 7 and 8 further show the dual filter case 31, having two filtercartridges 18 in place. The maintenance plate 41 is in place, keeping areserve cartridge from becoming soiled until needed to replace thecartridge 18 in the first filter zone.

The present invention, therefore, contemplates an improved filtrationsystem having at least one partial partition wall placed substantiallyperpendicular to, and between, adjacent planar walls to form at leasttwo filter apertures. Filter apertures are created between an area atthe top edge of the weir wall and the bottom planar surface of oneinclined plate. The second aperture is preferably created at an areabetween the bottom edge of the weir wall and the top planar surface ofthe adjoining inclined settling plate. The system preferably comprisessubstantially smooth surfaces that are preferably inclined at an angleof less than 90° relative to the planar floor 13 of the housing 12, asshown by angle {acute over (Ø)} in FIG. 4. However, the surfaces may betextured, or they may be at an angle of 0° (FIG. 9), if desired. Asstated above, two or more partition walls may be present. In oneembodiment, the aperture area of each progressive wall changes orremains constant, but preferably becomes smaller in size.

Embodiments of the present invention further comprise a mounting meansfor mounting a high level alert device, or alarm system, preferablylocated in a filtered waste water side of the filter device. Themounting means may be integral with the filter device. Further, filterelements preferably have a closed bottom mounted in the filter housingand comprise a means for installing a maintenance plate to block theflow out of the tank during filter cleaning, maintenance or replacement.The inclined shelf or shelving on the bottom of the filter housingpreferably has a receptacle to allow a handle, such as, for example, arod to engage the unit and preferably lock into place. In addition, areceptacle is preferably located in the back of the filter housing forstoring at least one maintenance plate and optionally a spare filtercartridge.

A central flow channel in the system is designed to encourage awell-developed laminar flow regime to optimize separation of solids andto maximize retention time within the filter system. By facilitatingand/or creating a large flow area within the case itself prior to liquidentering the filter, the velocity of the flow is reduced thus allowingthe opportunity for solids to settle back into the septic tank forfurther treatment. This too increases the service life of the filter.

While the apertures of varying dimension are shown in the figures asoccurring at the “top” and “bottom” of the partitions, it iscontemplated herein that the apertures may occur on the sides of thepartition also, to enhance filtering performance as desired, with orwithout the presence of connecting pins.

As shown in FIGS. 10-13, another embodiment of the filter assembly 218may include a multi-partition wall assembly 116 positioned within afilter unit 210 (FIG. 13). The assembly 116 consists of one or morefiltering wall(s) or dams 166 that may be connected by at least onespacing support 164. The top 163 and bottom 165 edges of themulti-partition wall 166 contains a plurality of connecting pins 178with a male end 180. The inclined settling plates 214 may be positionedat a variety of {acute over (Ø)} as described above and comprise aplurality of female receiving locations 182 designed and dimensioned toreceive the male ends 180 of the multi-partition wall assembly 116 (FIG.13), thus forming one assembled portion 218 (FIG. 11) of an embodimentof the present invention. Assembly 116 includes at least one wall or dam167 with top 163 and bottom 165 edges. Each top 163 and bottom 165 edgesof filtering wall 167 have male ends 180 received within femalereceiving locations 182 (FIG. 11). It is further contemplated havingfastening and spacing elements such, as, for example, the male ends 180with or without the connecting pins 178 as an integral part of thesettling plate with the female receiving location being oriented as anintegral part of the partition wall, or any combination thereof, asdesired. Although the walls 166 and 167 are shown as serpentine inshape, it is understood that the walls may be a variety of shapes,including substantially planar as shown in FIG. 1, quantities, sizes,different positions with the filter assembly, and construction.

As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the connecting pins 178 play an importantstructural role in the filtering action of the filter unit 210. Thedimension (e.g. height) of each connecting pin 178 assists indetermining the distance between each multi-partition wall 166 and theadjacent inclined settling plate 214, thus creating apertures. Theconnecting pins 178 must provide a sufficient distance between eachmulti-partition wall 166 and the adjacent inclined settling plate 214,such that a series of gaps, or apertures 222 and 224 are formed betweenat least the edge 165 of the filtering walls or dams 166 and the firstor second surfaces 160 a of an adjacent inclined settling plate 214.Similarly, apertures 221 and 223 are formed between at least the edge163 of the filtering walls or dams 166 and the underside surface 160 bof an adjacent inclined settling plate 214. Unlike walls 166, partitionwall 167 may not include pins 178 creating apertures between edge 165and 163 and an adjacent inclined settling plate 214 (FIG. 12). The topand bottom edges 163 and 165 of wall 167 directly engage or seal thesurfaces 160 b and 160 a, respectively, with apertures 225 extendingthrough wall 167. Apertures 225 of wall 167 may extend for only aportion of the length or width of the wall as shown or may be positionedwith a variety of different lengths, widths, or patterns, such as theentire length or width of the wall.

As shown in the figures, the dimensions of each gap, or apertures 222,224, 225 in the series of apertures, changes in at least two filteringwalls, either in two walls adjacent to each other or as a result ofskipping one or more walls, and preferably becomes progressivelysmaller, such that the level of filtration becomes greater as liquidpasses through. For example, the dimensions of each connecting pin 178,therefore, may also become smaller as liquid moves through eachsubsequent gap created above or below each partition wall 166. Thisproduces a progressively smaller or “thinning” aperture dimension, suchthat wide substances such as, for example, toilet paper, etc. becometrapped within the filter, while liquid is allowed to pass through.However, apertures of a subsequent or adjacent plate may be equal indimensions or larger than the preceding plate in the direction ofeffluent flow. For example, apertures 225 may be a larger opening thanthe 222 and 224 apertures. Apertures 225 of wall 167 may be a differentthrough shape than the slot shaped apertures 222 and 224 of walls 166 toprevent a thin sheet of a non-biodegradable solid, like the backing of aband-aid, sanitary napkin, etc. from passing out of the filter assemblyas could occur with a similar slot shaped aperture of wall 167. Theapertures 225 of wall 167 may be a variety of different shapes and stillbe different from an aperture of a preceding wall. For example, anaperture 225 may be, but is not limited to, substantially circular,about 0.25 inches in diameter, as compared to one of the apertures 222and 224 having a different shape such as slotted (as shown),rectangular, square, etc. Thus, the different shaped apertures betweenwalls may prevent objects with different shaped cross sections frompassing through predetermined apertures of the walls of the filterassembly. Therefore although apertures 225 are shown as integral withinwall 167, apertures 225 of wall 167 may be created partially by aportion of inclined settling plates 214. Further, although wall 167 isshown as the last through wall in the direction of effluent flow, it isunderstood that one or more walls 167 may be positioned at variouspositions within the effluent flow or filter assembly. For example, wall167 may be positioned before one or more walls 166 or between twoadjacent walls 166 in the direction of effluent flow. Additionalapertures or filter slots 228 may be added as desired into the partitionwalls 166 (FIG. 10). These slots 228 could be substantially the samesize (opening) or shape as apertures 222 and 224 respectively, or couldbe differently sized or shaped.

Preferably, at least one, substantially circular rod channel 176 ispositioned in each inclined settling plate 214 in alignment with thecorresponding channel 176 in each other plate 214 for receiving rods ofa positioning unit, such as, for example, a handle. An additionalopening 202 is provided in each settling plate. The openings 202 in eachsettling plate are aligned. One purpose for such an opening 202 is toreceive an optional alarm system (not shown, but known in the field),within the filter unit 218. One such alarm system that can beincorporated into embodiments of the present invention is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,841,066, which is incorporated by reference as if made apart of the present specification.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the present invention, where the filterhousing or case 212 holds one or more of the filter assemblies 218. Thelower portion of the case 212 includes an inclined lower shelf 232 atangle {acute over (Ø)} upon which rests one or more of the filterassemblies 218, along with a receptacle 34 (as shown in FIG. 4) intowhich the assembly rod (not shown) seats, to assist in retaining thecartridges in place, as desired. The rod is preferably capped at bothends, securing the plates tightly together. Although the settling plates214 of filter assembly 218 are shown inclined in the embodiments ofFIGS. 9-13, it should be understood that the settling plates are notlimited to a variety of angled positions but may be horizontal withinthe filter case as shown in FIG. 9.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be construed in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the claims set forth below rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A method for filtering effluent comprising: providing a filteringassembly, said assembly including a plurality of substantially planarcomponents spaced apart by two or more partitions, said two or morepartitions creating a series of apertures of varying dimension whichprogressively decrease in the direction of the effluent flow; said twoor more partitions spaced apart from each other along the direction ofeffluent flow; providing a housing dimensioned to receive said filteringassembly, said housing including an inlet and an outlet; providing theeffluent flow to said assembly in said housing; and directing effluentflow through said assembly such that only the effluent havingpredetermined characteristics moves past said two or more partitions andadjacent said planar components.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein solidor semisolid material is present in the effluent.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the solid material or semisolid material of a predetermineddimension is retained in said filtering assembly, and solid material,semisolid material having a dimension less than said predetermineddimension, and liquid effluent is allowed to pass through said filteringassembly.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said planar components arepositioned substantially parallel to each other.
 5. The method of claim2, wherein at least a portion of the retained solid or semisolidmaterial is allowed to return to a septic tank.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein said planar components are in a substantially horizontalposition.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said partitions arepositioned relative to said planar components to create a plurality ofapertures at an interface of said partition and at least one planarcomponent.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidpartitions further include one or more additional integral aperture. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein said first partition, when in positionwith said planar component provides apertures having a first dimension,and said second partition when in position with said planar componentprovides apertures having a second dimension, such that said first andsecond aperture dimensions are not equal.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein multiple partitions are oriented relative to said planarcomponent to create a series of apertures of varying dimension such thatsaid aperture dimensions progressively decrease in the direction of aneffluent flow.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof: providing a signaling device having a sensor, said sensor located ona downstream side of said first partition relative to an effluent flow,said signaling device being in communication with a signaling means. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein said signaling means is an alarm.
 13. Anapparatus for filtering effluent comprising: a filtering assembly, saidassembly including a plurality of substantially planar components spacedapart by two or more partitions; said two or more partitions spacedapart from each other along the direction of effluent flow; and said twoor more partitions oriented to create a series of apertures of varyingdimension such that said aperture dimensions progressively decrease inthe direction of the effluent flow.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein said plurality of planar components are substantiallyhorizontal.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of saidpartitions contain integral apertures therein.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein said integral apertures of said at least onepartitions is different in shape than said apertures of another of saidpartitions.
 17. An apparatus for filtering effluent comprising: afiltering assembly, said assembly including a first and secondsubstantially planar component, said first and second planar componentsspaced apart by at least a first and second partition, said first andsecond partition are spaced apart along the direction of an effluentflow, said partitions each including at least one aperture, saidaperture bounded partially by a surface of said first or second planarcomponents; a housing dimensioned to receive said filtering assembly,said housing including an inlet and an outlet; and wherein said firstpartition, when in position with said first or second planar componentprovides apertures having a first dimension, and said second partitionwhen in the first or second position with a planar component providesapertures having a second dimension, such that said first and secondaperture dimensions are not equal.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein multiple partitions are oriented relative to a planar componentto create a series of apertures of varying dimension such that saidaperture dimensions progressively decrease in the direction of aneffluent flow.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one saidplanar component positioned substantially horizontal.
 20. The apparatusof claim 17, wherein said planar components are positioned substantiallyparallel to each other.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a seriesof filter assemblies are maintained in said housing in a stackedorientation.
 22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said partitions arepositioned relative to said planar components to create a plurality ofapertures at an interface of said partition and at least one planarcomponent.
 23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of saidpartitions further include an additional integral aperture.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein said partitions have a varying dimensionrelative to each other.
 25. The apparatus of claim 17, further includinga signaling device having a sensor, said sensor located on a downstreamside of said first partition relative to an effluent flow, saidsignaling device being in communication with a signaling means.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 25, wherein said signaling means is an alarm.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 17, further including at least one barrier providedin said housing separating a first chamber from a second chamber. 28.The apparatus of claim 17, in combination with a septic tank.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 17, in communication with a drain field.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 29, wherein said drain field is a septic drain field.